Boston, Massachusetts: Shopping, Dining and Nightlife

Every holiday could use some retail therapy. Boston is home to one of the most famous shopping districts, Newbury Street. It is in Boston's Back Bay neighborhood and known as the Rodeo Drive of the East with a collection of fine art galleries, beauty salons and top designer shops. All shops are in Victorian red-brick buildings.

Copley Square is another requisite stop. Near the Richardsonian Romanesque Trinity Church and I.M. Pei-designed modern skyscraper John Hancock Tower, this is a true photo opportunity to capture Boston's iconic attractions. Boylston Street, an east-west passage through Copley Square, brings together homes, shops, cafes and international cuisine as well as one of the nation's largest Apple flagship stores. Along with the Boston Public Library, the Hancock Tower and other historically significant buildings in the area, Copley Square has a vibrant atmosphere.

Along Boylston Street, you can also visit the Prudential Center, one of Boston's largest indoor shopping centers. Go up to the 50th floor and you’ll be treated with an unbeatable view of the city. Across from the Prudential Center is Copley Place, a shopping center teeming with luxury brand stores. Look for names such as Jimmy Choo, Burberry, Tiffany and Barney’s New York Warehouse.

For the more budget-conscious, buy designer and brand-name apparel for less at outlet shopping centers, including Wrentham Village Premium Outlets. Drive over the magnificent Leonard P. Zakim Bunker Hill Memorial Bridge to the Outlets at Assembly Row for more great discounts. Don’t miss a chance to stop at the Legoland Discovery Center, which features a life-size giraffe made of Lego toy building bricks, a great photo opportunity

After a day of shopping, seek out some of the best dining options in the city. Back on the tree-lined streets of Newbury Street, historic buildings house a variety of restaurants with cuisine from around the world, including French, Italian, Mediterranean and Asian.

At Boylston Street, find the best international cuisine prepared by award-winning chefs. Some of the most sought-after restaurants in town are in this area. Charming sidewalk cafes and private patios let you savor your meal or drink outdoors.

If you’re on the hunt for real Chinese delicacies, head to Boston's Chinatown, the third-largest Chinatown in North America. Be sure to take a picture at the popular Chinatown Gate.

The North End in Boston, also known as Little Italy, is the city’s oldest neighborhood. Taste specialties from different countries and enjoy assorted bakeries on both sides of the streets as well as traditional Italian seafood. The North End also hosts various cultural, religious and gastronomic festivals. And, of course, if you’re looking for amazing pizza, this is where you should start your search.

Well-known to locals, Coolidge Corner in the Brookline neighborhood is a great stop for small boutiques and local eateries along with some chain stores. Coolidge Corner is known as a center of Jewish culture in Boston, so this is the place to go for kosher food and Jewish shops. For some of the best deli-style meals and sandwiches, stop into Michael’s Deli; it’s practically a landmark in itself.

For buzzing nightlight, end your day in the Seaport District to check out numerous bars and pubs, where you can hear great music and dance the night away. The Seaport also is home to Boston’s Innovation District, abuzz with biotech and life sciences companies. The district also hosts amazing concerts at the Seaport’s open amphitheater. Visitors to Boston can be surrounded by all of these attractions by staying at nearby luxury hotels such as the Boston Harbor Hotel and the Intercontinental Boston.

If you really like a festive spot, stop by Lansdowne Street in front of Fenway Park, one of the most famous and traditional baseball ballparks in the world. Since Boston Red Sox fans are among the most passionate of any sport, they flock to the bars, restaurants and concert halls of Lansdowne Street whenever the team is playing.

If you fancy heading down memory lane, head to Beacon Hill and stop by the original inspiration for the American television show “Cheers,” the place “where everybody knows your name.”

All of this makes Boston a place like no other. A wide range of shopping, dining and nightlife amidst picturesque surroundings awaits. Visit and indulge in the unforgettable vibe.